We’ve all had our airport experiences.
Mine started out with a deep love for airports. As a child.
With seven kids, I imagine our parents were often looking for something special for us to do that wouldn’t cost much money. As opposed to taking seven kids to a movie or out dinner.
So, every so often, we’d get to go to the airport.
I loved those nights out. We’d pile into the station wagon with all the windows down on a warm summer night and drive out to the Dayton International Airport in Vandalia.
Back then, there wasn’t any kind of security. We could just walk through the airport at will. And back then, Dayton had an observation deck on the roof. So that’s where we always headed. But first, we were allowed to stop at “The General Store” in the “shopping area” of the airport. We always got a large bag of popcorn to share between us, and we were allowed to get a flavored candy stick. I always picked the lemon or strawberry. They had a gazillion flavors, though.
After that, we’d head up to that good old observation deck, watch the planes land, and take off. It was loud, and wild, and wonderful, as we chomped on popcorn and slobbered on candy sticks.
I’ll never forget those times.
But now, airports feel much different. There’s high security. You need a ticket and an ID to get in. And once you pass security, you may have a long, busy walk to your gate.
So, what about those long walks? Do you ever wonder what the longest walk to the gate in U.S. Airports is?
I’m here to tell you.
The airports with the longest walks.
1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Longest distance: 2.16 miles
2. Washington-Dulles International Airport
• Longest distance: 1.62 miles
3. George Bush Intercontinental Airport
• Longest distance: 1.52 miles
4. Denver International Airport
• Longest distance: 1.45 miles
5. John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Longest distance: 1.38 miles
And then?
The airports with the shortest walks.
1. Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky
• Walking distance: 0.11 miles
2. Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York
• Walking distance: 0.12 miles
3. Harrisburg International Airport in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Walking distance: 0.13 miles
4. Lihue Airport in Kauai, Hawaii
• Walking distance: 0.18 miles
5. Burbank Airport in Burbank, California
• Walking distance: 0.20
Either way. On most of these walks you won’t find the cool, old “General Store” from those days long gone by. Or an observation deck on the roof.
But I’ll bet you’ll pass a McDonalds, a Starbucks, and a Panda Express.
Walk on, my friends. Walk on.
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“The airport is a place where time seems to stand still and fly by at the same time.” – Lucas Brown
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“Traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
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“The journey itself is my home.” – Matsuo Bashō
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To the gate. Miles away before you get in the air.
